Treasurer’s Financial Summary
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Fiscal Year: December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025
The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association completed the fiscal year in a strong and stable financial
position.
Join GCARA for Winter Field Day!
Winter Field Day is a nationwide emergency communications exercise designed to strengthen our ability to deploy and operate under challenging conditions. Even without winter weather, South Florida gives us the perfect environment to practice rapid setup, portable antennas, off‑grid power, and real‑world operating discipline.
This event is open to all licensed amateurs, new operators, and anyone interested in emergency communications.
PLEASE REGISTER BELOW
Event Location
Quiet Waters Park
Deerfield Beach, FL
Bald Eagle Pavilion
$3.00 entrance fee into Park
Why Participate?
- Strengthen emergency communications readiness
- Practice HF/VHF/UHF portable operation
- Experiment with antennas, tuners, and field gear
- Operate off‑grid using batteries, solar, and generators
- Build teamwork and deployment skills
- Support new hams and help them get on the air
Schedule
Saturday, January 24
- Setup begins in the morning 8:00 am
- On‑air operations start at 2:00 PM EST
Sunday, January 25
- Operations continue until 2:00 PM EST
- Teardown immediately after
What to Bring
- Personal radio gear (optional—stations will be available)
- Headphones, adapters, and accessories
- Portable seating, sun protection, hydration
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
All Are Welcome
Whether you want to operate, log, learn, or simply observe, your participation strengthens GCARA and our community’s emergency readiness.
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Serving Broward County with training, community support, and resilient communications.
Ben Echavarria N7BBE
President, GCARA
N7BBE@arrl.net
Dear Members,
As the year draws to a close and we embrace the festive spirit of December, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together throughout the year and express my gratitude for each of you.
2025 has been a remarkable year for our club. From our monthly meetings to field days and community events, each gathering has strengthened our bonds and expanded our knowledge of amateur radio. I am proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our members have shown, whether you participated in contests, provided support during emergency communications, or simply shared your passion for the hobby.
During this holiday season, let us remember the spirit of giving and sharing that embodies our community. I encourage everyone to reach out to fellow members, especially those who may be new to the hobby or could use a helping hand. Our strength lies in our camaraderie and willingness to support one another.
Looking forward to 2026, we have exciting plans in the pipeline: new workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with the wider amateur radio community. I am eager to hear your ideas on how we can make our association even better.
Winter Field Day is upon us, January 24 and 25. The last weekend of January, If you are interested in attending please sign up on our website as soon as possible so we can get a head count for operators, setup, meals, and other necessary participants. We need our members and other club members to participate in this yearly event. That’s what makes it work. So, thank you in advance.
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I wish you all a joyous season filled with laughter, warmth, and of course, some time on the airwaves. May the new year bring us all good health, happiness, and plenty of successful QSOs!
Thank you for being an integral part of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association. I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
Warm regards,
Benjamin Echavarria N7BBE
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
December President’s Message
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Dear Members,
As the year draws to a close and we embrace the festive spirit of December, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together throughout the year and express my gratitude for each of you.
2025 has been a remarkable year for our club. From our monthly meetings to field days and community events, each gathering has strengthened our bonds and expanded our knowledge of amateur radio. I am proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our members have shown, whether you participated in contests, provided support during emergency communications, or simply shared your passion for the hobby.
During this holiday season, let us remember the spirit of giving and sharing that embodies our community. I encourage everyone to reach out to fellow members, especially those who may be new to the hobby or could use a helping hand. Our strength lies in our camaraderie and willingness to support one another.
Looking forward to 2026, we have exciting plans in the pipeline: new workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with the wider amateur radio community. I am eager to hear your ideas on how we can make our association even better.
As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I wish you all a joyous season filled with laughter, warmth, and of course, some time on the airwaves. May the new year bring us all good health, happiness, and plenty of successful QSOs!
Thank you for being an integral part of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association. I look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
Warm regards,
Benjamin Echavarria
N7BBE
ARES/RACES
Skywarn
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Dear Members of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association,
It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the news that our President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, has stepped down from her role as of September 28, 2025. On behalf of the entire GCARA, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to Melanie for her extraordinary leadership and dedication.
For the past 8 years, she has guided this association with vision and commitment, and for 15 years she has faithfully served on the Board in various capacities. Her contributions have helped shape GCARA into the strong, vibrant organization we are today.
As Vice President, I will be assuming the role of President for the remainder of 2025. I look forward to carrying on the work that Melanie has championed and to ensuring that our association continues to grow and thrive.
GCARA has always been more than just a radio club — we’re a network of passionate operators, learners, and friends. I’m excited to continue fostering that spirit, supporting our members, and exploring new opportunities for growth, education, and service.
My goal is to engage with each of you, to hear your input, and to foster stronger connections within our membership. In the coming weeks, I’ll be working closely with our board and volunteers to ensure a smooth transition and to keep our events, nets, and initiatives running strong. If you have ideas, concerns, or simply want to connect, I’m here.
Together, we can continue to strengthen GCARA, expand our reach in the community, and advance the spirit of amateur radio that unites us.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Let’s keep the airwaves alive and the amateur radio community thriving.
Warm Regards,
Ben Echavarria, N7BBE
President, Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Click BELOW to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
